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Few states have the diversity of wilderness areas, national parks and RV campgrounds of California. With 14 million acres of parkland and more than 200 major lakes, most of them within a day's drive, even native Californians can have a difficult time deciding where to spend their vacation time. Thankfully, the state's temperate climate means RV enthusiasts can camp any time of the year and enjoy a scenic beach front, lakeside or desert campground.

Northern California Lakes

Northern Californians escape to Trinity Lake for scenic camping in a wooded, alpine setting. California's third largest man-made lake, Trinity Lake features fishing and camping along 147 miles of tree-covered shoreline. Despite a light winter snowfall every year, this remote, crystal blue lake has campgrounds that are open year-round. One of the best Trinity Lake resorts is Pinewood Cove RV Park, which features 45 full-hookup campsites, multiple restrooms, coin-operated laundry facilities, a convenience store and a children's playground.

Redwood Country

Giant coastal redwood trees are some of the oldest living things on earth, and they don't grow anywhere except along the cool, foggy Northern California coast. The oldest groves of redwood trees are in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. With thick forests, and trees so large you can actually drive through them, Redwood Country has no shortage of places to camp. One pet-friendly public campground is Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, about 45 minutes north of Eureka. Prairie Creek features campgrounds with restrooms and showers, fire rings and picnic tables. RVs up to 27 feet long can be accommodated. The park also has miles of trails, including some dog-friendly ones, and a large visitor center with ranger discussions and extensive information about redwood trees.

Eastern Sierra Nevadas

Both San Francisco Bay and Los Angeles residents are fortunate to be within a half-day drive of the mountains Ansel Adams and John Muir made famous. Because the Sierra Nevada Mountains are some of the highest peaks on the continent, most RV campsites are only open in warmer months. A popular destination for anglers and campers is June Lake, which is 7,621 feet above sea level. Pine Cliff Resort is one of the oldest campgrounds in the area. Founded in 1954, it is still run by the same family. This scenic lakeside campground caters to anglers, and features a boat launch and fish cleaning station, full or partial hookups, fire rings and picnic tables. Management welcomes pets and reservations are encouraged.

Central California

Campers in the Central Valley are just a couple of hours away from Camp Edison Shaver Lake, one of the most scenic lakefront campgrounds in the southern Sierra Nevadas. Situated at an elevation of 5,500 feet, Camp Edison Shaver Lake is a 40-year-old resort run by Southern California Edison Power Company and surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest and wilderness land. The resort is a popular destination for families, boaters, anglers and powerboat enthusiasts who can choose between premium lakefront campsites or more primitive camping in the woods. Most sites have full or partial hookups and facilities range from bathhouses to laundromats to an on-site convenience store. The campground is within 2 miles of downtown Shaver Lake, which has restaurants, shopping and services. Reservations are strongly advised throughout the year.

Southern California Beaches

A visit to California isn't complete without a trip to the Southern California coast. Even if you can't afford to buy beachfront property, you can afford to stay temporarily by parking your RV at a state park campground or a luxurious oceanfront RV park in Malibu. Warm weather and sunny skies welcome campers throughout the year at California state parks, which offer some of the best bargains in the area. The San Diego coast has numerous oceanfront campgrounds, including San Onofre State Beach, where campers are just steps from internationally famous surfing at Trestles Beach.

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About the Author

Rene Agredano is a traveling journalist and entrepreneur based in Fort Collins, Colo. Since 1998, she has covered travel, home-and-garden, fitness, animal care and other lifestyle topics for publications such as "The Times-Standard" newspaper of northern California. Agredano holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Chapman University.